December 30, 2007

Documentary on Old Hickory

Andrew Jackson Killed Rival, Banished Indians, Stole Man's WifeJackson's harsh treatment of American Indians gets a thorough airing, especially his support of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 that forced tribes living east of the Mississippi River to move to unsettled territories in the West. Thousands of men, women and children died during the relocation.

His handling of slaves also was brutal. Historian Bobby L. Lovett recounts that Jackson once offered a reward to anyone who administered 300 lashes to one of his escaped slaves--a virtual death sentence.